I remember when I first went on a tour of UC Davis. All I remember were bikes, bike racks, and my tour guide mentioning how everyone needs a bike to make it to their classes. Oh, and the fact that there are more bikes than people (which is kind of terrifying if you think about it).
I was doomed. I didn’t even know how to ride a bike.
That summer, my dad helped me practice how to ride a bike. After a couple of weeks – but really, after 18 years – I finally got it! And a new bike! UC Davis, here I come.
Throwback to Welcome Week…CHAOS. I was so terrified of riding my bike that I was always in a state of almost-crashing. I hated the feeling of a wheel controlling where I went (as well as my life). I never went on my bike again. Yet here I am in my second year, and I didn’t even bother bringing my bike.
PREPOSTEROUS. I REFUSE TO ACCEPT THIS. A Davis student that doesn’t bike???
Yeah. And I think not riding a bike is actually pretty cool, and here’s why.
First of all, I trust my feet more than a wheel. When walking, I won’t have to worry about losing my balance and putting my life in danger just because my tire popped or I couldn’t brake in time. My feet have been there for me since day one – true homies. They don’t deflate over time either, they only get stronger.
I have calves of steel now. I can walk from the Death Star to SciLab in five minutes. I can get from the CoHo to the Tercero Residence Halls in eight minutes. Walking everywhere on campus has allowed me to discover the fastest and shortest routes to every destination possible. I could probably be a professional power-walker.
The biggest crime on campus is bike theft. Personally, I never have to worry about my bike being stolen. Why? Because I don’t have one! And I never have to put a U-Lock around my legs.
Most of all, taking the time to walk around Davis gives you a better appreciation of the campus’s beauty. I love seeing the ducks waddling their way through campus and the squirrels up to no good (the little scoundrels). If you own a bike, that’s totally cool. I mean, you do you. But, if you ever have a chance, try walking around campus – you never know what you might stumble upon.
Like this moment when I saw a squirrel eating a Hot Cheeto. Nature is beautiful.